South Devon College Launches Former Royal Racing Yacht at Noss Marina

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 17:34
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South Devon College’s celebrated Noss Marine Academy, based at Noss Marina on the River Dart, has taunched and named its latest yacht, ‘Aspiration’, and revealed its historic royal connection. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and King Constantine of Greece have all previously raced ‘Aspiration’, which is the latest addition to the Academy’s fleet provided by Noss Marina Ltd. The yacht has been refurbished at Noss Marina before being handed over to the Academy. ‘Aspiration’ has a unique history, winning many races and enjoying Royal patronage under her former name, Yeoman XXVIII. The Duke raced the yacht on many occasions, including with his son Prince Edward in the 1993 Queen's Cup at Cowes Week. Prince Edward visited South Devon College in 2008 as a champion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award after he took over the mantle from his father. A significant increase in learner numbers in the South Devon College Marine Academy, with over 80 students based at Noss Marina, has given South Devon College the chance to introduce a second yacht for students’ use. This has been partly due to the popularity of the new University Level Foundation Degree in Yacht Operations, introduced by the College. The students are already sailing ‘Endeavour’, a Beneteau Oceanis 381 cruising yacht, provided by Noss Marina, that has taken part in the Dartmouth Royal Regatta. The ‘Aspiration’, a Sigma 38 Offshore One Design, will be entered for cross channel races and local regattas. In a ceremony staged by South Devon College’s Noss Marine Academy, in partnership with Noss Marina, Commodore Jake Moores of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth officiated at the naming of the Aspiration, carried out by Foundation Degree student Claire Smith, and along with College Governors and other local VIPs, saw Marine Academy students sail their new yacht from Noss Marina for the first time. Commodore Jake Moores said: “Royal Naval Officers have for many years developed their ship handling awareness and skills on the River Dart. Amongst them have been a number of Royal Princes over the years. The ‘Aspiration’ will provide students at the Academy with a superb opportunity to develop their skills and we look forwardto seeing her on the Dart as we share this unique resource space.” Stephen Criddle, Principal of South Devon College, thanked Noss Marina for the refurbished yacht and said “the acquisition of this second yacht will be an inspiration for students at our already celebrated Noss Marine Academy, providing them with an outstanding and practical learning experience.” Stephen Corner, Chief Executive of Noss Marina Ltd said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide a second yacht for the use of students at the Noss Marine Academy, especially one with such an illustrious history. The Academy is an integral part of our overall plans to regenerate the former boatyard at Noss and provide long-term educational and employment opportunities for local people. We hope to be able to start work on the permanent facilities for Noss Marine Academy later this year”.